Chapter 8 Summary

Jack lays out his confusion regarding how he may have managed to offend his Lieutenant James Dillon. But this is a kind of ghost, internal dialogue- for Stephen has been left behind in Spanish territory. Without the comfort of friendship, Jack momentarily thinks of the comfort of a woman. But this also is just an apparition of the mind.

Marshall notes that Jack's liking of Dillon has caused negative reactions in other quarters. He informs the Captain they are about two hours from land. When they are about an hour away from their destination, Jack calls on Barret Bonden, a young sailor, who he offers the possibility of becoming a midshipman. But Bonden doesn't want it and recommends George Luckock, a friend of his. Later, Jack tells all the Midshipmen to write home, and even tells this to young Ricketts, forgetting that his...